Photo Credit: Oasis by Will Fresch / CC by 2.0
Oasis claims they had no knowledge of the dynamic ticket prices, nor had any say in those prices. Instead, they blame Ticketmaster for the surge pricing.
Fans scrambling to secure tickets for Oasis’ reunion after 15 years apart have been met with surged ticket prices thanks to Ticketmaster’s now-infamous “dynamic pricing.” In the face of an investigation in the UK, Oasis claims they had no say in the ticket prices and no knowledge of the dynamic pricing.
Millions of fans waited over the weekend to purchase Oasis tickets, only to find prices were significantly higher than initially advertised, with Ticketmaster justifying the surge due to the high demand of the tickets. On social media, fans showed screenshots with general public “official platinum” tickets going for as much as $553, while “in-demand standing ticket” prices rose to $467.
As many have been quick to point out, the band and its management made a point to employ restrictions to prevent the resale or transfer of tickets outside of either Ticketmaster or Twickets. Neither of those platforms allows the selling of a ticket at anything other than the original price paid. But Oasis released a statement on Wednesday, asserting they were unaware of the use of dynamic pricing, which inherently increases prices based on ticket demand.
“Oasis leave decisions on ticketing and pricing entirely to their promoters and management, and at no time had any awareness that dynamic pricing was going to be used,” the band stated. “While prior meeting between promoters, Ticketmaster, and the band’s management resulted in a positive ticket sale strategy, which would be a fair experience for fans, including dynamic ticketing to keep general ticket prices down as well as reduce touting, the execution of the plan failed to meet expectations.”
Further, the band noted that “all parties involved did their utmost to deliver the best possible fan experience, but due to the unprecedented demand, this became impossible to achieve.”
Meanwhile, Ticketmaster refutes the claim that it set the ticket pricing policy, that artists and promoters were responsible. But it’s notable that all promoters for the Oasis reunion tour (SJM Concerts, MCD Promotions, and DF Concerts) all have ties to Ticketmaster-owner Live Nation. Ticketmaster is already under scrutiny for its alleged monopolistic practices and is the subject of an antitrust lawsuit filed by the Department of Justice alongside 39 US states.
And now, faced with the widespread complaints about Oasis ticket pricing, UK officials are investigating the practice of “dynamic pricing” for event tickets. The country’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is specifically looking into Ticketmaster, the largest seller of tickets in the region. The organization is asking to hear from fans who encountered issues, and will also seek evidence from Ticketmaster and other parties that may include the band’s management and event organizers.
